Spring pad for pressing buck



Dec. 1'7, 1968 6,. E. TERRY SPRING PAD FOR PRESSING BUCK Filed Feb. 20, 1967 Ame-4170.0 624005 f. 7236?) United States Patent 3,416,246 SPRING PAD FOR PRESSING BUCK Claude E. Terry, Senoia, Ga., assignor to Southern Mills, Inc., Atlanta, Ga., a corporation of Georgia Filed Feb. 20, 1967, Ser. No. 617,220 7 Claims. (Cl. 38-66) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A pad support adapted to be placed on the upper surface of the pressing platen of a steam buck and covered with a padding including a frame having a configuration outlining the upper surface of the platen and at least one set of parallel arranged serpentine spring members secured at their opposite ends to the frame and forming a plurality of arches across the mid-section of the frame which define a three-dimensional pad supporting surface.

Background This invention relates to a support for paddings of garment presses. More particularly, this invention relates to a resilient spring structure for supporting a padding on the pressing platen of a steam buck in a garment press.

In pressing garments on the usual steam presses, as used in laundry and dry-cleaning operations, it is important that the pressing platen of the buck be provided with some type of resilient covering which is pervious to steam and air in order to obtain good quality finishing of the garments being pressed. This is due to the fact that a porous resilient pressing surface permits a garment to be smoothly finished without wrinkles or impressions and free from shine.

Heretofore, these resilient coverings have been provided solely by padding comprising one or more layers of textile fibers, felted fibrous mats, elastomeric sheets, Concertinashaped wire, and woven metallic screens, which have been placed directly over the surface of the pressing platens so that the paddings are in contact with and supported by the platens.

A limitation which resides in this manner of providing a resilient covering for a pressing buck is that the resiliency of the pressing surface is solely and directly dependent on the resiliency of the padding. As a result, when the resiliency of the padding decreases through normal use on the pressing buck there is a corresponding decrease in the resiliency of the pressing surface. Ultimately the quality of the garment finishing is impaired and the padding must be replaced.

Moreover, by placing the padding directly on the upper surface of the platen the total volume of steam or air per unit time which may pass through the padding to the pressing surface is limited. The occurrence of this result may be attributed to the fact that the close proximity of the padding to the upper surface of the platen causes substantial restriction in the flow of steam and air from the apertures of the platen. Moreover, with certain types of paddings, the flow of steam and air from the platen apertures is laterally diverted to the edges of the platen.

Brief description of the invention Therefore, in accordance with this invention, it is proposed to provide a resilient pad support for yieldably supporting the padding on the platen of the steam buck and thereby overcome the above-described limitations in prior practices. Briefly described, the pad support comprises a frame outlining the upper surface of a platen and having at least one set of parallel arranged, spaced-apart spring members secured to the frame at their opposite ends. Each spring member is specifically of serpentine configuration and forms an upwardly extending arch between its se- 3,416,246 Patented Dec. 17, 1968 cured ends across the frame. The pad suport is employed directly on the upper surface of the platen of the steam buck. A padding is then placed over the pad support whereupon the spring members of the pad support serve to yieldably support the padding in spaced relationship from the upper surface of the platen.

Among the advantages obtained with the pad support of this invention is that of increased resiliency of the pressing surface due to the resiliency of the pad support. This increased resiliency serves to insure good quality pressing of the garments. In addition, the resiliency of the pad support tends to lengthen the serviceable life of the padding since the padding will not wear as rapidly on a yielding support as on an unyielding support.

A further important advantage of the pad support is that a greater volume of steam and air per unit time under a given pressure may be obtained at the pressing surface for finishing a garment. This occurs as a result of two factors; first, a cavity is formed between the underside of the padding and the upper surface of the platen as a result of the presence of the pad support thereby permitting unimpeded flow of steam and air from the apertures opening onto the upper surface of the platen, and, second, the serpentine spring members, while providing good support for the padding, are in contact with very little of the surface area on the underside of the padding thereby resulting in exposure of a substantial area through which steam and air may diffuse into the padding and ultimately to the pressing surface and the garment.

These and other features and advantages of this invention will become more apparent from the folowing de tailed description as well as from the accompanying drawings.

Description of the drawings FIGURE 1 is an exploded, perspective view of one embodiment of the pad support in association with a conventional steam buck and padding;

FIGURE 2 is a top view of the pad support shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a partial schematic view along line 3-3 of FIGURE 2 illustrating the overall longitudinal curvature of the upper surface of the pad support as defined by the midpoints of the plurality of spring members;

FIGURE 4 is a partial schematic view along line 44 of FIGURE 2 illustrating the overall lateral curvature of the pad support as defined by the spring members located centrally of the ends of the support;

FIGURE 5 is an exploded, perspective view of another embodiment of the pad support in association with a conventional steam buck and a novel padding construction;

FIGURE 6 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of an element of the padding construction shown in FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 7 is a partial, perspective view in an enlarged scale showing the manner in which each end portfcion of the spring members is preferably secured to the rame.

Detailed description of the invention With reference to FIGURE 1, there is shown a steam buck 1, a pad support 10, and a padding 20. The pad support and padding are adapted to be supported by the steam buck and provide a pressing surface upon which garments may be finished.

The steam buck 1 is of a conventional type used in laundry and dry-cleaning operations and includes a pressing platen 2 supported on a pedestal 3. As is well known, the upper surface of the platen is provided with a plurality of apertures 4 which communiacte with an interior chamber (not shown) in the platen body. The interior chamber may be connected, as desired, to a source of vacuum, air, and/or steam.

The pad support 10, depicting one embodiment of this invention, generally includes a frame 11 and a plurality of individual spring members 12. The frame 11 is an endless strip having a configuration which outlines the upper surface of the platen as best seen in FIGURE 2. Preferably the frame is made from a metal although other materials such as plastic or wood may also be employed. As previously mentioned, the frame is adapted to be placed on and supported by the upper surface of the platen. In the event it is desired to secure the frame 11 to the platen 2 tabs 13 may be provided which are easily folded around the edges of the platen. It should be understood that other equally suitable means for securing the frame 11 in place on the platen 2 may also be used. Moreover, while only two tabs 13 are illustrated others may also be provided as desired.

The spring members 12 of the pad support are of serpentine configuration and are mounted so as to extend laterally across the frame 11 in parallel, spaced-apart relationship to each other. These spring members may be made from any material which has spring-like properties yet is rigid enough to serve as a support; spring steel is preferred. The free ends of the spring members may be secured to the frame in any suitable manner, however, for purposes of example, a simple system is shown in FIGURE 7. Generally, the frame 11 is provided with a plurality of retaining members 14 appropriately spaced along its opposed side portions corresponding to the desired spacing and positioning of the spring members 12. Each retaining member 14 is folded over a free end of a spring member to securely hold the spring member in place adjacent the outer edge of the frame. It should be noted that the free end of the spring member is permitted to pivot in a vertical plane within the retaining member. As is apparent the spring members 12 are removable when mounted in this manner. However, when considering other mounting means it should be understood that the spring members may be permanently secured to the frame if desired.

Each spring member 12 is of a length greater than the horizontal distance between the corresponding edges of the frame 11 as measured between the points on the frame where the free ends of the spring member are secured. As a result, when the spring member is secured to the frame an arch is formed which extends upwardly from the plane defined by the frame. In particular, the length of each spring member, as compared to the horizontal distance between the points at which it is secured to the frame, is selected so that there is a progressive increase in the height of each successive arch as the midsection of the frame is approached. Thus, a three-dimensional supporting surface is defined by the plurality of spring members 12. This may best be understood by reference to FIGURES 3 and 4.

Specifically, FIGURE 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the frame 11 taken along line 3-3 in FIGURE 2 and schematically shows with dotted line 15 the longitudinal arc of the supporting surface defined by the spring members along line 3-3. Similarly, FIGURE 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the frame 11 taken along line 44 of FIGURE 2 and schematically shows with dotted line 16 the lateral arc of the supporting surface defined by the spring members along line 4-4. Lines 33 and 44 were selected for illustration since they represent the lines along which the supporting surface has its greatest curvature. It should be understood that the curvature of the supporting surface decreases on either side of each of lines 3-3 and 4-4.

As previously mentioned, the above-described pad sup port is secured in place on the upper surface of the platen 2 by tabs 13. Thereafter, a conventional padding 20 is superimposed over both the pad support and the platen to provide the usual cushion layer and pressing surface on the steam buck 1. Preferably, the padding 20 is provided with a skirt portion 21 which drapes down around the sides of both the pad support 10 and the platen 2 and may be used to secure the padding in place by some suitable fastening means such as draw-strings (not shown).

Thus, it will be appreciated that the spring members 12 of the pad support 10 provide a resilient supporting surface for the padding 20 which is spaced above the upper surface of the platen 2. As a result, the pressing surface of the padding 20 possesses increased resiliency and a longer serviceable life. In addition, the steam and air emitted from the apertures 4 of the upper surface of the platen 2 may pass unimpeded into the cavity created by the pad support 10 between the lower surface of the padding 20 and the upper surface of the platen 2. Due to the serpentine configuration of each spring member a major portion of the surface area on the underside of the padding 20 is exposed to the steam and air in the cavity whereby a greater volume of steam and air is able to permeate through the padding 20 and reach the pressing surface.

Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGURE 5 wherein there is again shown a conventional steam buck 1' with a pad support 30 and a particular m-ulti-layered padding. The steam buck 1' is of the same general type described in connection with FIG- U RE 1 and comprises a platen 2' supported on a pedestal 3 wherein the platen is provided with the usual apertures 4' which emit steam and/ or air or draw vacuum as desired. However, the pad support 30, while still embodying the concepts of the present invention, is of slightly different construction than the previously described pad support 10. In addition, the multi-layered padding is a preferred form for use with the pad support of the present invention.

Referring specifically to the pad support 30, it will be apparent that there is provided a frame 31 having laterally arranged spring members 32, retaining members 34, and tabs 33, all of which correspond to identical elements in pad support 10 and are positioned in the same manner to perform the same functions. In addition, however, pad support 30 is provided with a plurality of longitudinally extending spring members 35 of serpentine configuration which extend between the opposite longitudinal ends of the frame 31 and serve to additionally strengthen the supporting surface of the pad support 30. Each end of the spring members 35 is secured to the frame 31 by retaining members 36 in a similar manner as described in FIGURE 7. Preferably the spring members 35 are mounted so as to extend beneath the spring members 32. In this manner, the supporting surface of the pad support 30 is defined by the spring members 32 and is therefore more continuous due to the fact that usually there are a greater number of lateral spring members.

The pad support 30 is secured in place on the platen 2' by tabs 33 whereafter the various layers of the preferred padding are superimposed over the supporting surface defined by the spring members of the pad support. The composite assembly offers the same general features and advantages of the embodiment shown in FIGURE 1 and, in addition, certain specific features which are imparted thereto by the longitudinal spring members 35 of the pad support and the specific construction of the multi-layered padding.

The preferred padding includes, in sequence, a coarse wire screen 41, a fine wire screen 42, a cushion layer 43 and a covering 44.

The wire screens 41 and 42 serve to make the supporting surface of the pad support more uniform for the cushion layer 43. In addition, the screens aid to distribute the steam and air passing to the cushion layer 43. If desired, the wires in the screens may be arranged to cross each other at some angularity, such as 30 degree angles or 45 degree angles, rather than the perpendicular arrangement shown.

The cushion layer 43 preferably comprises three individual layers which are secured together by some mechanical means (not shown) such as stitching or fasteners. The layers may also be secured together by spot bonding which does not interfere with the passage of steam or air. As best shown in FIGURE 6, the cushion layer 43 comprises an upper fibrous layer 51, a central resilient layer 52 and a lower fibrous layer 53. The fibrous layers 51 and 53 are preferably identical and may comprise felted mats of heat resistant fibers. These mats are extremely porous and have good characteristics of resiliency. The central layer 51 is preferably made of an elastomeric material such as a synthetic sponge rubber. While this layer is normally porous it may be desirable to perforate it to provide increased porosity.

After these layers have been superimposed over the pad support the entire assembly is covered with a covering 44. This covering is a porous, woven fabric which is heat resistant. It may be manufactured from heat resistant fibers such as nylon or it may comprise non-heat resistant fibers which have been rendered heat resistant by resin impregnation. The covering is preferably provided with a skirt 45 which will drape downward around the edges of the assembly and can be secured around the underside of the platen 2'.

Thus, having described the various embodiments of this invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that certain modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and it is therefore intended that the invention be limited only as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A pad support for the platen of a pressing buck comprising:

a frame having opposed first and second side portions and opposed first and second end portions,

a first set of parallel serpentine spring members, each spring member of said first set of spring members being secured at one end to the first side portion of the frame and at the other end to the second side portion of the frame,

a second set of parallel serpentine spring members, each spring member of said second set of spring members being secured at one end to the first end portion of the frame and at the other end to the second end portion of the frame.

2. A pad support adapted to be placed on the upper surface of the platen of a pressing buck and covered with a padding including:

(A) a frame having a configuration outlining the upper surface of the platen, and

(B) at least one set of parallel arranged compressed serpentine spring members secured at their opposite ends to opposite sides of the frame and forming a plurality of arches across the mid-section of the frame which defines a three-dimensional pad supporting surface.

3. A pad support according to claim 2 wherein there are provided two sets of parallel arranged spring members, each set extending transversely of the other set.

4. A pad support according to claim 3 wherein the frame is provided with a plurality of retaining means for pivotally securing the opposite ends of the spring members.

5. A pad support according to claim 4 wherein the frame is provided with means for securing it to the upper surface of the platen of the pressing buck.

6. In combination, a pressing buck having a platen with an upper surface, a resilient pad support adapted to be placed on the upper surface of the platen, and a padding adapted to be placed over the pad support and secured around the platen, said pad support including a frame having a configuration outlining the upper surface of the platen and at least two sets of parallel arranged serpentine spring members, each set extending transversely of the other set and each set secured at their opposite ends to the frame and forming a plurality of arches across the midsection of the frame which define a three-dimensional pad supporting surface, said padding including at least one layer of wire mesh, a cushion layer, and a covering having a skirt portion, said cushion layer comprising upper and lower fibrous mats and a central elastomeric sheet.

7. A pad support for the platen of a pressing buck comprising:

an elongated frame including opposed sides and holding means positioned along the opposed sides of the frame, and

a plurality of serpentine spring members connected at their ends to the holding means on opposite sides of said frame, each of said spring means being compressed along its length with a force suificient to cause it to normally arch upwardly intermediate its ends whereby the spring members provide a threedimensional pad supporting surface.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS PATRICK D. LAWSON, Primary Examiner. 

